From Major H. W. Matthews to Major A. H. Ross about the discipline of his troops, 12 February 1857

From Major H.W. Matthews, Commanding the 43rd Regiment, Native (Light) Infantry, to Major A.H. Ross, Assistant Adjutant-General, Presidency Division,--No. 23, dated Barrackpore, 12th February 1857.

        Having this morning heard Major-General J. B. Hearsey, Commanding the Presidency Division, read part of a letter he had received from the Deputy Adjutant-General of the Army, I have the honor to report that I leave already in person explained to the native commissioned officers and others under my command that it is their duty to bring to my notice every occurrence affecting the discipline and credit of the corps. I beg further to state that I have been and am endeavouring to ascertain the cause of the excitement prevailing amongst the troops, and to find out the leaders of the disaffected. I leave to add that I believe the speech lately made to the troops by the Major-General had a good effect; and it was reported to me that the men of my regiment returned to their lines well pleased and satisfied.

From: Selections from the Letters Despatches and other State Papers preserved in the Military Department of the Government of India, 1857-58.  Edited by George W. Forrest.  Calcutta: Military Department Press 1893, 32.